NIWA

IN THIS ISSUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dear Members and Friends:

The Garden’s plants and trees decorate the winter scene with red berries, golden leaves, white gardenias and shiny pine needles. As you walk along the path a stone arrangement may focus your attention, leading you to pause. Their stability inspires peaceful reflection and encourages insights that can enhance your visit.

The Exhibit Hall features an exhibition of paintings by Dr. John Diamond that are the outcome of his personal deep meditation hours. Through his practice of 25 years, he has helped his audiences and students to recognize, understand and utilize the healing power of art in their lives. The exhibit will be in the Garden through February.

The Garden introduces a new opportunity. In partnership with the Meditation Initiative, the Garden will regularly offer meditation classes every Saturday from 1pm to 2pm. Meditation helps both to prevent stress and anxiety and will improve focus and attention. The concentration helps to control anger

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 1

Fun With Wood Block Prints

December Nights Highlights

Calendar & Class Schedule

Cherry Blossom Festival

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management while improving overall mental and emotional health. Both children and adults are welcome to participate. The New Year in the Oriental Calendar is the Year of the Rabbit. People born in a rabbit year are blessed with unbelievable good fortune that will eventually lead to their financial success. They are ambitious and talented and usually generous. However, they are melancholy and tend to weep at the smallest provocation. They are very trustworthy people and generate much admiration. 2011 can be a special year.

Fun with Wood Block Prints

During November, participants both young and adults, had a rare opportunity to create their own wood block prints under the instruction of prestigious artists of the Adachi Institute in Japan.

Save the Date for the 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival Save the date for the Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 19th from 10am-4pm. The festival is free with admission to the Garden. Tickets for food and games will be sold separately. One of the most beautiful seasons in the Garden is spring when the cherry trees blossom into delightful pink clouds. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Garden while enjoying delicious Japanese food, arts and crafts, unique gifts, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and the crowning of a new Little Miss Sakura.

Guided docent tours will be provided into the Garden’s expansion site which will lead to the home of over 150 enchanting cherry trees blossoming with brilliant pink flowers for everyone’s enjoyment and endless photo opportunities.

Currently seeking….

The search is on for our next Little Miss Sakura. Girls must be ages 4-6. Both members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Please contact Issie Inserra for more details about volunteer opportunities or to register for Little Miss Sakura at (619) 232-2721 x 104. For Vendor Opportunities contact: (619) 232-2721 x 100

December Nights HighlightsAll our volunteers who gave their time and energy in preparation for December Nights at our food booth or decorating our Christmas tree at Casa del Prado deserve hearty thanks for all their efforts.

The Garden is known for the authentic Japanese menu that includes our delicious chicken teriyaki bowls and vegetable yakisoba – both prepared hot off the grill! With the popularity of our food booth drawing large crowds, we’re very appreciative to our army of volunteers who joined us during this two-day event to support the Garden. This year our goals were exceeded.

Every year at December Nights, the Garden also showcases a unique Christmas tree at the Casa del Prado. Our tree is adorned with charming origami made by our craft club.

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Participants proudly display their wood block prints.

Issie Inserra and Seiko Pinckaers take a quick photo op before the crowds arrive.

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A special thanks to each of our volunteers who made our December Nights a success and especially the Koi Club who made many new friends of the Garden at the Koi Pond.

Tokonoma Displays by Ikebana InternationalWe would like to thank the members of Ikebana International for their tokonoma flower arrangements in the Exhibit Hall. We appreciate your contribution in making the Garden an even more enjoyable place to visit!

December : Pui Lan Ng, Kyoko Womer, Teruko Hanson, Jackie Zhang and Chieko Whitter

Walk with us as we grow,Marilyn TravagliniEditor

Bill and Yoko Anderson helped decorate our one-of-a-kind Christmas tree.

Avram Dalton and Lucas Field fire up the grill for the chicken teriyaki.

Les Kang and Annette Lau preparing freshly made yakisoba.

Rafael Gutierrez and Denise Britton quickly filling orders for chicken teriyaki.

Father and son duo – Roy and Ken Muraoka donate their time every year to setup the logistics of the booth.

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The David L. Osborne Master SeriesThe Garden offers a unique array of classes and demonstrations to members and non-members. It is a vital part of our mission to provide educational programs that encourage understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Please call the office at (619)232-2721 or email: [email protected] to register. Fees help to cover class expenses and support the Garden.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds are made only in the event of the Garden’s cancellation of the class.

Class Schedule

January 3 & February 7 (Monday)Class: Craft ClubTime: 10am – 12pmFee: $10 General (Annual fee)Description: The craft club meets the first Monday of each month. During each session, the group makes unique items which the Garden offers for sale at the main entrance. The crafts include book markers, note cards, and gift cards made of beautiful washi paper.

January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 8, 15, 22 (Tuesday)Class: Sogetsu-style Ikebana ClassTime: 9:30 – 11:30amFee: $15 one session, $50 for fourDescription: This weekly ikebana class is led by Yumi Rakers of the Sogetsu School. The class is designed for a wide range of talents from novices to advanced students. You may bring your own kenzan, a shallow container, scissors, a pitcher, flowers and branches, and a bowl to trim plants.

January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 12, 19, 26 (Saturday)Class: Meditation ClassTime: 1pm – 2pmFee: $15 one session, $50 for fourDescription: This meditation class is perfect for beginners who are curious about meditation, as well as those who have a

developed meditation practice. Learn about the common misunderstandings of meditation in addition to various techniques and expectations by developing a daily meditation practice. Join us each week at the Garden for a peaceful and relaxing meditation.Instructor: Jeff Zlotnik, Founder of the Meditation Initiative

January 28 and February 4, 11, 18, 25 (Friday)Class: After School Karate Dojo (Shorin Ryu School) for Children (Age 6-12)Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pmFee: $60/4 weeks for Members, $80/4 weeks for Non-membersDescription: Shorin Ryu Karate from Okinawa places greatest importance on kata (forms). Its philosophy is symbolized in maxims such as “never strike first” and “win without fighting.” Come and practice different types of kata, and learn discipline of Shorin Ryu Karate. Instructor: Rafael Gutierrez

January 8 (Saturday)Class: New Year Crane with Kumihimo BraidingTime: 10am – 12pm & 12pm – 2pmFee: $15 Members, $20 Non-membersDescription: Come and make your own New Year’s wall hanging with your choice of Crane or Tortoise Mizuhiki and learn simple Kumihimo braiding. Student ages; 8 years old and adult.Instructor: Laura Breen

January 15 (Saturday)Class: January Temari ClassTime: 10am – 1pmFee: $50 Members,$55 Non-members (the cost includes starter kit)Description: 2011 is the start of the Garden’s new monthly Temari group. Come and learn the ancient art of Temari based on Barbara Suess book, “Japanese Temari.” A Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft. The January class will learn how to make a Temari ball, marking simple four divisions and to wrap threads to create a design in the color of your choice.Instructor: Laura Breen

January 29 (Saturday)Class: Lecture – Wabi-Sabi: Traditional Japanese Aesthetics Time: 10am – 12pmFee: Free with admission

Calendar & Class Schedule

Description: “Wabi-Sabi” is the Japanese term that defines the aesthetic principles that form the foundation behind the design and maintenance of Garden. This class is an introduction to Wabi-Sabi, provides a historical perspective to its development, and strives to make the term accessible and useful to a wide cross-section of attendees. Examples of Wabi-Sabi are shown, and then a brief tour of the Garden is conducted in order to strengthen the concepts.Instructor: Mark Halverson

February 12 (Saturday)Class: Valentine’s Day Candy Box with Silk Ribbon EmbroideryTime: 10am – 12pmFee: $25 Members, $30 Non-membersDescription: Enjoy giving your Valentine candy in a silk ribbon embroidery covered box.Instructor: Laura Breen

February 19 (Saturday)Class: February Temari ClassTime: 10am – 1pmFee: $10 Members, $15 Non-membersDescription: This month the Temari group will be doing interlocking spindles using a four division ball. First timers are welcomed.First time students $50Instructor: Laura Breen

February 5, 19 and March 5 (Saturday)Class: Bonsai Basics (3 sessions)Time: February 5, Saturday 10am – 12pm,February 19, Saturday 1pm – 3pm,March 5, Saturday 10am – 12pmFee: $60 for Members, $70 for Non-members (All materials are included)Description: In partnership with the San Diego Bonsai Club, the Garden will offer a series of novice level classes in bonsai. The student will be able to make their own bonsai and take the tree home after the class. Each session builds on the last. Registration is for for all three sessions.Instructor: Garden staff

February 26, April 30, June 4, August 27, October 29, December 10 (Saturday)Class: Garden Construction and Maintenance Techniques Seminar SeriesTime: 10am – 12pm,Fee: $65/class for Members, $75/class for Non-membersDescription: If you register for more than one class, you will be entitled to discounts. Please call (619) 232-2721 for learn more about these discounts. The content of the seminars, in addition to tree transplanting, will be black pine pruning and shaping, shearing/hedges/ shrub arrangement, stone arrangement/hardscape and broad leaf tree pruning. Each seminar will focus on a single subject and explore the basic technical aspects of the subject as well as its context within the historical narrative of Japan. All the seminars build on the previous one and consecutive attendance is recommended.Instructor: Garden staff

Events and Demonstrations

January 8 & February 12 (Saturday)Event: Koto PerformanceTime: 1pm – 2pmFee: Free with admissionDescription: The koto is a traditional Japanese 13-stringed instrument. When it was first introduced into Japan in the 18th century, the koto was a popular instrument among the wealthy and considered a romantic instrument. Come enjoy the beautiful sounds of the koto in our garden.Muscian: Kyoko Takeda

January 15 & February 5 (Saturday)Event: Tea CeremonyTime: 2pm – 2pmFee: Free with admission, tea and sweets tasting: $3Description: This is an opportunity to observe a traditional tea ceremony by an Urasenke tea instructor. You will learn the history of tea ceremonies and see tea served in a traditional method. Tea tickets will be available for tasting.Instructor: Urasenke Tankokai San Diego Association

February 5 (Saturday)Event: Stitch in PublicTime: All DayDescription: February is national embroidery month. The first Saturday, February 5th, is stitch in public day. Come to the Garden to see different forms of Japanese embroidery. On display will be models for each month’s craft and Temari groups.

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March 19 (Saturday)Events: Cherry Blossom FestivalTime: 10am – 4pmFee: $4 General Admission/$3 Students, Senior & Military w/ IDDescription: One of the most beautiful seasons in the Garden is spring when the cherry trees blossom into delightful pink clouds. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Garden while enjoying delicious Japanese food, arts and crafts, unique gifts, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and the crowning of a new Little Miss Sakura.

Additional dates TBA:

Please check our site and Facebook!

www.niwa.org

www.facebook.com/SanKeiEn

Our programs are partly funded by the City of San Diego Commission

of Arts and Culture

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Happy New Year from the Japanese Friendship Garden Team!

Board of DirectorsHiroko Johnson, Ph.D. Justin Rennilson Mike Kawamura David StricklandFred Miyahara Michael SykesRoy Muraoka Lennox Tierney Marilyn Travaglini Dennis Otsuji Thelma Press Tom Yanagihara

Executive CommitteeDennis Otsuji, President Fred Miyahara, 1st Vice PresidentRoy Muraoka, 2nd Vice PresidentMarilyn Travaglini, Secretary

Advisory BoardRichard ForsythAlan FosterMaurice KawashimaLarry MarshallEd McDanielsJ.R. Westfall

Executive DirectorLuanne Kanzawa

Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations/Executive AssistantMarisa Espinosa (ext. 100)

Events & Marketing CoordinatorLovelynn Hansen (ext.103)

Fund Development & Membership CoordinatorIssie Inserra (ext. 104)

Program CoordinatorSeiko Pinckaers (ext.105) Head Gardener Avram Dalton

Facilities ManagerJavier Palacios

Japanese Friendship Garden Board and Staff

Contact Us:For more information about these events please call the Garden at (619) 232-2721.

Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule fromLabor Day to Memorial Day10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday

Closed on Mondays

The Niwa is written and produced by volunteers of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For more information about becoming a volunteer or

comments for The Niwa, please contact: Marilyn (619) 232-2721, Fax (619) 232-0917, or

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on the web:Website:

www.niwa.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/japanesegarden

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SanKeiEn

Blog: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.blogspot.com